The MCIULearns Podcast

Send us Fan Mail What does real engagement look like in a math classroom—and how do we build it without losing rigor or pace? We sit down with North Penn’s secondary math coaches, Melinda Lyon and Rebecca Rousseau, to unpack practical strategies that put student voice, collaboration, and authentic problem solving at the center of learning.  We dive into the balancing act of agency and accountabili...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Donyall Dickey delivers a powerful message about America's literacy crisis while offering clear, practical solutions educators can implement immediately. Donyall D. Dickey, Ed. D. is a nationally recognized authority on curriculum, instruction, organizational development, and the administration of schools As founder and CEO of Educational Epiphany, Dr. Dickey brings credi...

Send us Fan Mail Chase Orton shares his vision for transforming math education by shifting teacher identity from content deliverers to "cultural stewards" of students' mathematical stories. He advocates for embracing imperfection while continuously growing, focusing on human connections rather than test scores, and creating classrooms where mistakes are valuable learning opportuniti...

Send us Fan Mail Three high school students from Lower Moreland share their experiences participating in Voices for Education, a new MCIU student program connecting students directly with state legislators to discuss educational policy and advocacy. Voices for Education is looking to expand our reach next year as we work to empower student advocates and connect them with policymakers who can help...

Send us Fan Mail Josh Recio from the UT Charles A. Dana Center challenges the mathematical status quo by advocating for quantitative reasoning courses as equally valuable to the traditional calculus pathway. His work with the Dana Center's Launch Years Initiative aims to provide students with math courses aligned to their future careers, emphasizing numeracy, mathematical modeling, and statis...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Moran, Director of Consultative Services, and Aimee Siravo, Assistant Director of Consultative Services at The Timothy School, to explore Structured Teaching for supporting students with autism. Wendy and Aimee break down what Structured Teaching is, how it aligns with the characteristics of autism, and why elements like physical structure,...

Send us Fan Mail Discover how Aevidum, meaning “I’ve got your back,” empowers students to lead the charge against mental health stigma. At Pottsgrove High School, this peer-driven movement has grown into the school’s largest student club by equipping teens with the tools to support one another without feeling overwhelmed. Hear how Aevidum’s student-led model, signature Talk Workshop, and school-wi...

Send us Fan Mail The Competent Learner Model (CLM) is revolutionizing autistic support classrooms by integrating behavioral analysis throughout the day instead of requiring separate intervention times. In this episode, teachers and behavior analysts from Pennsbury School District share their three-year implementation journey with MCIU Project Consultants Kari Kessler and Cassie Brusch, highlightin...

Send us Fan Mail Essential for Living (EFL) provides function-based assessment and curriculum for learners with autism and developmental disabilities, tracking small increments of progress while continuing to develop communication skills. Steve and Liz Maher share their journey from creating the VB-MAP app to developing the EFL app, explaining how their technology makes life easier for educators w...

Send us Fan Mail In a world where the voices of youth are often unheard, this episode sheds light on how students in Montgomery County are stepping into leadership roles through the Dreaming Forward program. Join us as we engage with educational leaders and music artist Kate Yeager, who share their insights on the impact of storytelling and personal narratives in shaping young leaders. This heartf...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Tanya Lamar joins us to discuss the transformative power of data science in mathematics education, emphasizing the need for students to see math as relevant and engaging. Join us as we learn how integrating data science into high school curricula can shift perceptions of math and empower students to embrace their mathematical capabilities while preparing them for quantitative...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we feature the dynamic duo, Patrice Semicek and Andrew Kuhn, who are working with their colleague Tony Mirabito (CLIU) to creatively drive the messaging and way we approach STEELS standards, gifted education, and the latest trends like AI. Through this engaging episode, you'll understand how a podcast was born out of the desire to share rich educational conversatio...

Send us Fan Mail Explore the secrets to transforming math education as we promise to shift your perspective from deficit-based thinking to asset-based empowerment. MCIU's Brandon Langer and Kirpa Chohan speak with Juliana Tapper, a dynamic math intervention teacher and author. Together, they discuss how fostering a belief in students' potential can dramatically enhance their motivation a...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an insightful conversation with MCIU project consultant Jesse Gluckman and the Martin Luther School, as they share how their innovative Teacher Apprenticeship Program (TAP) is reshaping teacher preparation.  Learn how Martin Luther School integrates hands-on classroom experience with formal education, offering a competency-based learning model. By aligning with a unive...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the potential of every student in your classroom with insights from Ron Martiello and Jenna Rufo, the dynamic duo behind "Conquering Math Myths with Universal Design." With their combined expertise in math coaching and special education, Ron and Jenna share strategies that redefine what it means to be a "math person," helping students develop a positive...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the journey of two remarkable professionals in education as we explore the dynamic services at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU). Jared Rohlfing, our Marketing Communications Coordinator, brings his unique blend of media expertise and educational passion from Temple University to his current role, while John Kikrilis, a dedicated English and Philosophy teache...

Send us Fan Mail Prepare to be inspired by the transformative power of inclusive technology in education. Inclusive technology evangelist Mike Marotta joins us to share his incredible journey, from starting as an assistive technology specialist to becoming a passionate advocate for tools that benefit every learner. Together with co-host Julie Ortlieb, we explore practical strategies for educators...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the integrated mathematics approach in school curricula. Join us alongside our distinguished guests, Dr. Jason Lilly from Lower Merion School District and Mr. Ed Merk from Colonial School District, as they share their pioneering efforts in blending algebra, geometry, and statistics into a seamless learning journey. Discover how this innovative model not...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Barbara Esch, a trailblazer in the fields of speech pathology and behavior analysis, joins us to unravel her unique journey to becoming a distinguished expert in her field.  Our discussion delves into the synergy between speech pathology and behavior analysis, highlighting her contributions alongside pioneers like Dr. Richard Sheffelbush and insights from her collaboration wit...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to build a supportive community that genuinely prioritizes mental wellness and suicide prevention among its youth? Join us as Todd and Nancy Solomon share the heartbreaking story of losing their son, Craig, to suicide and their mission to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy. Listen as we highlight how student-led initiatives, like the Aevidu...

Send us Fan Mail Join the MCIU on October 30th, December 4th, and December 5th as we unlock the keys to effective math education and retention with insights from Dr. Paul Riccomini, a leading expert in high-intensive education techniques. Discover how understanding cognitive processes—specifically the front end and back end of learning—can revolutionize your teaching approach. Learn practical stra...

Send us Fan Mail Discover how Montgomery County libraries and the MCIU are championing inclusivity, universal design, and a sense of belonging. Learn about innovative programs and partnerships that are transforming libraries into welcoming spaces for all community members.

Send us Fan Mail Fresh off her return from an amazing conference, we sit down with Julie Ortlieb to explore her learning around the essential strategies for addressing literacy among students with complex needs. Julie shares her expertise on what works and what doesn't in the complex needs classroom, offering practical tips for educators. Visit our MCIU Learning Network for the full Dos and D...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the impact of empathy in classroom management with MCIU Project Consultant, Marisa Crapella. Learn how empathy can help manage challenging behaviors, build strong connections with students, and create a more inclusive learning environment! Read Marisa's Blog Posts on the MCIU Learning Network: 5 Effective Ways to Create a Culture of Trust and Respe...

Send us Fan Mail Explore the innovative world of Ludia, your AI-powered partner in Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Created to serve as a foundational tool and scaffold, Ludia assists in cultivating a UDL mindset and acts as a collaborative thought partner in intentionally designing educational experiences to minimize barriers. Join us as we delve into discussions with the creators and designe...